City of Edinburgh Council
The City of Edinburgh Council faced an all too familiar problem – rising numbers of homeless presentations, lengthening housing waiting lists, increasing costs of B&B accommodation and a steadily diminishing housing stock due to the effects of Right to Buy and demolition. A Private Sector Leasing Contract for a target of 1,500 properties was won by Orchard & Shipman in August 2005, the largest contract of its type in the UK.
During the first year, 602 properties were procured across the city. The original target of procuring 1,500 homes within 5 years was subsequently achieved two years ahead of target, in 2008. Orchard & Shipman have negotiated rents at 10-15% below indicative rent levels, generating substantial cost savings to the public purse.
Additionally, Orchard & Shipman have consistently procured high quality properties spread across the city, in response to the Council’s request. As a result, we have been able to achieve procurement in every electoral Ward in Edinburgh. This wide distribution of properties allows tenants’ choice over location and the ability to maintain local networks.
“Orchard & Shipman are required to ensure that there is a good spread of properties across the city – which they have been successful in achieving.”
- Scottish Government Review of the Private Rented Sector, 2009
Satisfaction ratings are high from the Council as well as landlords and tenants. Rigorous targets for the levels of neighbour nuisance, rent arrears and tenant dilapidations are all being met. Orchard & Shipman enjoy an excellent partner working relationship with The City of Edinburgh Council.
“PSL forms a critical element of the Council’s strategy to meet the 2012 target of providing a home for everyone who is homeless. It achieves this principally through helping people make the transition from homelessness to stability and independent living, improving access to private rented housing and supporting people into employment.”.
- City of Edinburgh Council PSL Progress Report, Dec 2008
|